Local, foreign tourists continue to enjoy Chilimjusht festival

CHITRAL: The locals and foreign tourists continued to enjoy the Chilimjusht festival on the second day of the event (Tuesday) as locals distributed dry fruits and other gifts among the visitors and guests to revive the traditional customs and perform religious rites.

The festival, which kicked off at the scenic Bamburet, Birir and Rambur valleys in Chitral, simultaneously, would conclude today.

The Kalash people, including men, women and children, distributed different kinds of dry fruits and gifts among the tourists. They also presented bouquets to the guests particularly the foreign tourists. The concluding ceremony and religious rites would be held at Bamburet.

The Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP) had established a tent village for the tourists. The arrangements have been made to facilitate the tourists and the visitors did not face any difficulties.

The festival is the most important event of the Kalash people as it signifies the end of chilling cold in the mountainous region and the people celebrate the arrival of spring and summer seasons.

The Kalash people make arrangements for taking their herds for the summer pastures. A number of foreign tourists including French, Italian and Australian families have already arrived in Chitral to enjoy Chilimjusht.

The French, Italian and Australian tourist families stayed in Chitral for several days to enjoy the local culture, traditions, tourist attractions and festival in the scenic valleys of the district. A group of motorcyclists also participated in adventure tourism activities at the festival.